A draft Tree Management Policy has been released for public consultation by Mornington Peninsula Shire.

 

The policy focuses primarily on:

 • Removal of trees or branches that fall from shire-managed land onto private property

 • Root barrier installation

 • Clarifying liability and governance processes

 

While this may improve administrative consistency, it does not appear to address the core concern raised in this petition - the ongoing and excessive destruction of healthy nature strip and foreshore trees through aggressive pruning and contractor-led canopy removal.

 

In recent weeks alone:

 • Council contractors operated during extreme heat conditions

 • Trees already heavily cut last year were further reduced

 • Canopy was removed during peak summer stress periods

 • Phone company contractors followed with additional cutting

 

Chainsaws and mulchers have been constant across multiple streets.

 

Urban trees are critical infrastructure. They provide:

 • Shade during heatwaves

 • Habitat for birds, possums and other wildlife

 • Cooling for homes and streets

 • Climate resilience

 

A policy addressing what happens after a tree falls does not prevent unnecessary canopy loss before it happens.

 

Councillors have acknowledged community concern and referenced this petition in public discussion. That means your voices are being heard.

 

The upcoming consultation period is an opportunity to demand:

 • Seasonal restrictions on non-essential pruning

 • Independent ecological oversight

 • Review of contractor incentives

 • Genuine canopy protection measures

 • Transparent reporting of tree works

 

This petition remains focused on protecting existing canopy and ending destructive maintenance practices.

 

There's no live official public consultation link available yet, so what can we do now?

✔️ Check the Shire’s consultation page frequently:

👉 https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

 

Council usually lists current drafts, timelines, documents, and online submission forms there once a consultation period starts.

 

✔️ If you don’t see it yet: You can contact the Shire’s environment or community engagement team directly and ask for the link to the public exhibition and submission period for the Tree Management Policy.

 

Common contact points (general):

 • Phone: 1300 850 600

 • Website general feedback form

(both via the Mornington Peninsula Shire site)

 

Thank you to everyone who continues to stand up for our urban forest.

 

Nat